NPR News Now: June 28, 2025, 12 PM EDT

NPR News Now brings you a comprehensive roundup of the latest developments from Washington, Toronto, New Orleans, London, and beyond. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode released on June 28, 2025.

1. Senate Deliberates President Trump’s Tax Cut and Spending Bill

Host: Nora Ramm
Timestamp: [00:11]

The U.S. Senate is actively debating President Trump's proposed tax cut and spending bill. Senate Republicans, who hold the majority, aim to commence the voting process promptly, with ambitions to enact the legislation by Tuesday, July 4th. However, the bill faces significant opposition from Democrats, and internal divisions within the Republican Party pose challenges, as the party can only lose three votes to pass the bill.

Reporter: Elena Moore
Timestamp: [00:44]

A pivotal element of the bill is the proposal to make President Trump's 2017 tax cuts permanent. These tax cuts are set to expire at the end of the year, and their permanence is projected to entail substantial costs. To mitigate these expenses, lawmakers are considering modifications to Medicaid, including a gradual reduction and cap on states' ability to tax Medicaid providers. These changes have sparked both procedural and policy debates, complicating the bill's passage.

Quote:
"A key part of this bill would make Trump's 2017 tax cuts permanent. Those expire at the end of the year, but that is going to be really expensive."
— Elena Moore, [00:44]

2. US-Canada Trade Tensions Over Digital Services Tax

Host: Nora Ramm
Timestamp: [01:10]

In international trade news, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has affirmed his government's commitment to ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, despite President Trump's announcement to halt talks. This pause is in response to Ottawa's implementation of a digital services tax targeting American tech giants operating in Canada.

Reporter: Dan Karpenchuk
Timestamp: [01:43]

President Trump criticized the digital services tax as a "blatant attack on the US and its tech companies" in a statement on his Truth Social platform. Prime Minister Carney, however, indicated that he has not engaged in direct conversations with Trump regarding this issue. The Canadian Finance Minister, Francois Philippe Champagne, confirmed that the digital services tax, effective June 30th, will impose a 3% levy on revenues generated by companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta from Canadian users, totaling approximately $2 billion. Despite facing pressure from business groups on both sides, the Canadian government remains steadfast in maintaining the tax.

Quote:
"He [Trump] called the tax a blatant attack on the US and its tech companies."
— Dan Karpenchuk, [01:43]

3. New Orleans Jailbreak: Authorities Make Progress

Host: Nora Ramm
Timestamp: [02:22]

Authorities in New Orleans have successfully apprehended another inmate involved in last month's significant jailbreak, where ten men escaped from the Orleans Parish jail. NPR’s Matt Bloom provides an update on the situation.

Reporter: Matt Bloom
Timestamp: [02:33]

Antwan Massey, one of the escapees, was arrested following an anonymous tip that led police to his residence in New Orleans. The escape occurred in May when Massey and nine other inmates exited the jail through a clandestine hole behind a cell toilet. Assisted by corrupt jail staff, Massey evaded capture for over a month, during which he disseminated multiple viral videos proclaiming his innocence. Currently, Massey and the remaining escapees are incarcerated at the state prison, with Derrick Groves, convicted of second-degree murder, still at large. The FBI has issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to Groves’ arrest.

Quote:
"Police say they received an anonymous tip that led to Antwan Massey's arrest at a New Orleans home."
— Matt Bloom, [02:33]

4. Russian Drone Strikes in Odessa and Glastonbury Festival's Political Tensions

Host: Nora Ramm
Timestamp: [03:12]

In international affairs, Ukrainian officials have reported that Russian drones targeted the port city of Odessa, resulting in two fatalities and injuring at least fourteen others. This attack involved a drone striking an apartment building, trapping numerous residents. Additionally, a United Nations report highlights that over 13,000 civilians have lost their lives since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Meanwhile, the Glastonbury Music Festival in Britain is navigating political tensions as organizers face pressure to cancel a performance by the pro-Palestinian Northern Irish rap group, NiCap. NPR’s Vicki Barker provides an in-depth look at these developments.

Reporter: Vicki Barker
Timestamp: [03:58]

NiCap, fronted by Trib’s Liam Och Ohane, remains controversial due to Ohane's previous charges related to terrorism, including waving Hezbollah flags and inciting support for Hamas and Hezbollah during a London performance. The group recently released a video denouncing what they describe as the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer suggesting that NiCap’s appearance may be inappropriate, festival organizers have decided to proceed with the performance. Additionally, the BBC plans to rebroadcast the gig, ensuring compliance with their impartiality standards.

Quote:
"The group released a short video condemning what it called the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza."
— Vicki Barker, [03:58]

5. France Implements New Smoking Ban

Host: Nora Ramm
Timestamp: [04:43]

In public health news, France has enacted a new smoking ban that will take effect on Tuesday. The regulation prohibits smoking in all parks, beaches, sports venues, and bus stops, aiming to create healthier environments and reduce smoking-related issues in public spaces.

Quote:
"A new smoking ban goes into effect Tuesday in France. It will prohibit smoking from all parks, beaches, sports venues and bus stops."
— Nora Ramm, [04:43]

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